What is HS CODE 1806?
Chocolate is a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide, crafted primarily from cocoa beans, sugar, and various flavorings. It comes in many forms, from bars and pralines to beverages and spreads, each offering unique textures and tastes. As a product, chocolate holds significant value in global trade, with numerous countries both producing and consuming vast quantities annually.
To facilitate its international exchange, chocolate is classified under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 1806. This specific HS Code encompasses all types of chocolate, ensuring accurate categorization, smooth customs clearance, and compliance with trade regulations for businesses importing or exporting chocolate products.
Key Industries Using HS Code 1806
HS Code 1806 covers chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa. It includes a wide range of products that are primarily used in food manufacturing, retail, and culinary sectors. Here are the key industries that use products classified under HS Code 1806:
- Confectionery Industry: This is the largest consumer of products under HS Code 1806, particularly for chocolates, chocolate bars, and other cocoa-based confectionery. Companies involved in the production of candies, chocolates, and sweets rely heavily on cocoa-based ingredients to manufacture their products.
- Beverage Industry: Cocoa and chocolate products are used in the production of various beverages, including hot cocoa, chocolate milk, and specialty drinks. Manufacturers of soft drinks and energy drinks may also use chocolate for flavoring.
- Bakery Industry: Bakeries use cocoa-based ingredients in a variety of products such as cakes, pastries, and cookies. Chocolate is often incorporated as a key ingredient in bakery items to enhance taste and appearance.
- Food Manufacturing Industry: Cocoa is used by food manufacturers to prepare a variety of food items like ice cream, snacks, and desserts. The industry relies on cocoa’s rich flavor profile to produce a wide range of ready-to-eat food products.
- Retail and Distribution: Retailers and wholesalers dealing with chocolates, cocoa products, and confectionery products are key stakeholders. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers sell a variety of chocolate-based goods to end consumers.
- Culinary and Gourmet Industry: High-quality chocolate and cocoa products are essential in the gourmet food sector, including luxury chocolates, truffles, and baking supplies for professional chefs and pastry makers.
Quick Reference Table for India to US Export/Import
| HS CODE | Description | General Duty |
| HS Code 1806.10 | Items containing cocoa and added sugar | Free- 10% |
| HS Code 1806.20 | Items containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs, or bars, filled | Free- 10% |
| HS Code 1806.31 | Food containing cocoa weighing 2 KG or less | 5.6% |
| HS Code 1806.32 | Cocoa powder in blocks, slabs, or bars (not filled) | 7% |
| HS Code 1806.90 | Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa; n.e.c. in chapter 18 | 3.5%-6% |
Goods Covered Under HS Code 1806
HS Code 1806 classifies a wide variety of chocolate products, including those made from cocoa, and other food preparations containing cocoa. These products vary in form and composition, encompassing solid, liquid, and semi-liquid forms of chocolate intended for direct consumption or as ingredients in other foods. The HS Code helps streamline customs procedures, ensuring that these products are correctly categorized during international trade.
HS Code 1806.10: Chocolate and Other Food Preparations Containing Cocoa
HS Code 1806.10 pertains to “Cocoa powder, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter.” This classification includes cocoa powder products that have been sweetened, distinguishing them from unsweetened cocoa powders.Â
HS Code 1806.20: Other Preparations in Blocks, Slabs, or Bars
This category covers chocolate and cocoa preparations in bulk forms or large block forms exceeding 2 kg, including liquid, paste, powder, or granular preparations, intended for industrial use or large-scale consumption.
HS Code 1806.31: Cocoa Powder, Not Containing Added Sugar
HS Code 1806.31 refers to “Chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa, in blocks, slabs, or bars, filled, weighing 2 KG or less.
HS Code 1806.32: Cocoa Powder, Containing Added Sugar
This category covers cocoa powder in blocks, slabs, or bars (not filled) that has been sweetened and is commonly used in the production of chocolate drinks, desserts, or confectionery products.
HS Code 1806.90: Other Chocolate and Cocoa Products, Not Elsewhere Specified
This extension includes any chocolate and cocoa-based products that do not fall under the previous categories, such as chocolate spreads, sauces, or cocoa paste.
Each of these subcategories allows for the precise classification of chocolate-related products, ensuring smooth processing in global trade.
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Chocolate Trade Statistics
The global chocolate trade has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand across both developed and emerging markets. In 2023, the total value of chocolate exports reached $37 billion, a 9.5% increase from the previous year.
European countries continue to dominate the chocolate trade, both as exporters and importers, reflecting the region’s strong production capabilities and consumer preferences for chocolate. The data highlights key trends in global chocolate exports and imports, illustrating the evolving dynamics in the chocolate industry.
Top Exporters of Chocolates
The following are the top chocolate exporters globally based on the most recent data from 2023:
| Country | Export Value (in Billion $) | % of Total Exports |
| Germany | 6.3 | 16.9% |
| Belgium | 4.0 | 10.8% |
| Poland | 2.7 | 7.3% |
| Italy | 2.66 | 7.2% |
| Netherlands | 2.55 | 6.9% |
Top Importers of Chocolates
The following are the top chocolate importers globally based on the most recent data from 2023:
| Country | Import Value (in Billion $) | % of Total Imports |
| United States | 4.05 | 10.9% |
| United Kingdom | 3.1 | 8.4% |
| Germany | 3.0 | 8.1% |
| France | 2.7 | 7.3% |
| Netherlands | 1.8 | 4.8% |
| Belgium | 1.4 | 3.7% |
| Canada | 1.3 | 3.5% |
| Poland | 1.2 | 3.3% |
| Spain | 0.837 | 2.3% |
| Italy | 0.785 | 2.1% |
These fifteen countries accounted for 62.8% of all chocolate imports in 2023, with significant growth observed in markets like Belgium, Austria, and Germany.
Fastest Growing Exporters 2022-2023
The following countries saw the most significant increase in their chocolate exports between 2022 and 2023:
| Country | Export Growth (%) |
| Austria | 24.0% |
| Belgium | 20.6% |
| Switzerland | 17.0% |
| France | 16.1% |
| Poland | 16.6% |
| Netherlands | 16.7% |
Fastest Growing Importers 2022-2023
The following countries experienced the most significant increase in chocolate imports between 2022 and 2023:
| Country | Import Growth (%) |
| Albania | 1,248% |
| Belarus | 74.3% |
| Belgium | 28.0% |
| Austria | 25.7% |
| Germany | 20.2% |
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FAQs
1. What is an HS Code for chocolate?
A: An HS Code (Harmonized System Code) for chocolate is a 6 to 10-digit number used to classify chocolate products for international trade. It helps determine tariffs and regulations for importing or exporting chocolates globally.
2. How do I find the correct HS Code for my chocolate products?
A: You can use Intoglo’s AI-powered HS Code scanner to easily identify the accurate HS code for your chocolate products in just two clicks, along with detailed tariff information specific to your shipment.
3. Why is HS Code classification important for exporting chocolate?
A: Proper HS Code classification ensures compliance with international trade regulations and helps you avoid delays, fines, or higher tariffs. It also enables smoother customs clearance when exporting chocolates across borders.
4. What tariffs apply to chocolate exports to the USA?
A: The tariff rates for chocolate products exported to the USA depend on the HS Code classification and the specific chocolate type. You can use Intoglo’s tool to instantly get the applicable tariff rates for your products.
5. Can Intoglo help with customs clearance for chocolate shipments?
A: Yes, Intoglo offers end-to-end solutions including customs clearance for chocolate shipments. Their services ensure compliance with US regulations and smooth passage through customs, reducing any potential delays in delivery.
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